A Simple Classic

Today is one of the first days in this spring to actually feel like spring. The sun is finally shining here in Germany and it was missed dearly. This weekend has been terribly busy, we went to a BBQ Saturday that turned into a retirement party for my wonderful husband. He has faithfully served 21 years in the military and I couldn't be more proud of him. Since we were planning on attending the BBQ already, I naturally made 2 dozen cupcakes. Today is also Easter and my fathers birthday, we have so much to celebrate this weekend. I originally wanted to make Strawberry Rhubarb Cupcakes (a take on my father's favorite pie) but I couldn't find any rhubarb around these parts yet so those will just have to wait for warmer weather. Instead, I thought I'd make an old classic, Yellow Cake with Vanilla Butter Cream. I got a new large round tip and thought I'd give it a try. 

Yellow Cake 
Makes 24 cupcakes 

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter or stick margarine, softened

1 1/4 cups whole milk (I used 1 % milk since that's all we have in the house)

3 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp vanilla (I used 2 tsp because I love vanilla flavor)

3 large eggs

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Mix all ingredients together and fill each cup 3/4 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops spring back when pressed. 

**For a peanut butter cake, substitute peanut butter for butter in the recipe. 

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

3 cups powder sugar 

1/3 cup butter or stick margarine, softened

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 to 2 Tbsp milk 

Mix powder sugar and butter in medium bowl with electric mixer on low speed. Mix in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk. Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. 

Review

These cupcakes turned out to be a hit at the BBQ! I really enjoyed the richness and flavor of the cake and the frosting. The frosting was smooth, silky, and fluffy all at the same time. I will definitely be making these again, they would be great for an engagement party or even a cupcake tower at a wedding.